Our story started in 2016 a few weeks before Christmas when we were both signed up to do 8 days of mission work in Tipitapa, Nicaragua. Jonathan swears that he finalized his choice of going on the trip because he read the list and saw, "Mallory Edwards." We knew of each other for a few years because we both went to Auburn High School, but I never knew that I would be his, "It Girl." After 8 long, sweaty, tiring days in Nicaragua, Jonathan and I were very close with our mission group team. We would go out to eat a few times a month and constantly chatted in our group message. We had both been in and out of relationships prior to meeting each other and discussed how we were DONE with dating. A few weeks had passed and the New Year ball dropped. Jonathan asked me out for coffee to start the year off right. Looking back now, I probably should not have gone to coffee right after CrossFit. But hey, he still likes me!
After months and months of me, Mallory, being stubborn and blinded by the love that this boy gave me, I fell hard. Really, really hard. I had never had someone show me what selfless actually meant. What encouragement actually felt like. How someone can love me like he loves Christ. Jonathan Taylor, you changed my life.
A few months into the relationship, I decided to apply for an abroad program to teach overseas. This meant that I would leave the States to study and teach in New Zealand for 13 weeks. We prayed and prayed about this for over 6 months. 13 whole weeks without my best friend. 13 weeks of just me and God. It was a very hard decision to make, but I knew that He chose me to take this leap of faith. 13 weeks of rollercoaster emotions, tears, laughter, and the best mail I have ever received in my whole life. 13 weeks apart that made us stronger than we had ever been. I just knew coming back to the States that I wanted to marry this man. Now I know, he asked my dad and two brothers for their permission for him to marry me while I was away.
On June 23, 2018, I became the happiest girl on this planet! On this beautiful Saturday, our two best friends, Nicole and John Konstant, planned reservations at Spring House at Lake Martin. The plan was for Nicole and I to have a girls day at the lake and the boys would meet us up at the lake after they worked all day. We enjoyed a nice lunch, a boat ride, and just relaxed all day. We decided to get ready around 5:30 knowing that Jonathan gets off work at 6 and would make it up to the lake around 6:30-6:45. 6:30 rolls around and Nicole gets a phone call saying that the boys are running a little behind. Typical! So, Nicole said we should go look at this beautiful small church at the lake while we are waiting for them. Little did I know, Jonathan and John were already at this church. And my FIANCE asked me to marry him at the end of the alter in front of a beautiful cross with the sun beaming off of the lake in the background. Jonathan and I enjoyed our engagement date night at Spring House to celebrate! We could not be more excited and blessed that He brought us together, is the center of our relationship, and is making me Mrs. Hendrix on June 1, 2019! Praise be to God!